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Oberhaslis

American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) Breed Standard

The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy goat originating from the Brienzer region of Switzerland near Bern. The name loosely translates as ‘highlander’. It was formerly called the Swiss Alpine in the USA. This breed is a medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. Its color is chamoisee. Does may be black but chamoisee is preferred. Chamoisee is described as: Bay ranging from light to a deep red bay with the latter most desirable. A few white hairs through the coat and about the ears are permitted. Markings are to be: two black stripes down the face from above each eye to a black muzzle; forehead nearly all black, black stripes from the base of each ear coming to a point just back of the poll and continuing along the neck and back as a dorsal stripe to the tail; a black belly and light gray to black udder; black legs below the knees and hocks; ears black inside and bay outside. Bucks often have more black on the head than does, black whiskers, and black hair along the shoulder and lower chest with a mantle of black along the back. Bucks frequently have more white hairs through the coat than does.

The face is straight or dished. A Roman nose is discriminated against.

This breed is of medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. It is noted for its rich red bay color and quiet, gentle temperament. The natural coat is a uniform red bay, ranging from light red bay to dark red bay; or a solid black in does. Bucks must have the red bay color to be registered.

Mature Oberhasli does should be at least 28″ tall at the withers, and should weigh at least 120 pounds. Mature Oberhasli bucks should be at least 30″ tall at the withers, and should weigh at least 150 pounds.

The Oberhasli breed is growing in popularity at goat shows (competitions based on selection of animals on the basis of body conformation) as their docile nature is appreciated, along with the fine color, described as being ‘like the wood on the back of a violin’. Contestants in showmanship classes are discovering that the color is easier to keep clean than pure white animals.

This breed is a good choice for the person who wants dairy goats for milk (does producing a sweet tasting milk, 1 – 1 1/2 gallons a day) from hardy thrifty animals, who appreciates the vivid rust-red coloration, wants something slightly out of the ordinary, and likes the Swiss type head (upright ears).